As I’ve gotten older I have come to realize Christmas means different things to different people. As strange as it is to me, some people today are even questioning whether or not believers should celebrate Christmas. I think because of the internet, there are a lot of crazy ideas floating around out there.

Personally I can’t fathom not celebrating the birth of The One who died for me, saved me, gave me joy, and a relationship with The God of Heaven.

Maybe it was how I was raised. To Missy and me, Christmas really IS the most wonderful time of the year. Some of the best memories of my life are from Christmases past. As a kid, yes there were presents! But even beyond that, it was the family getting together, laughing, talking, telling stories of when they were young. The smell (and taste) of Mom’s cooking. The lights, the decorations, the music… Oh the music. What other time of year do you hear more songs and more talk about JESUS? It’s in the air! Worship is automatic. Peace is in the atmosphere. Joy is tangible.      I’m getting excited right now just writing about it.

After I was grown, the feeling and the memories continued. Christmas was a big deal in Missy’s family, as well. Her mom would have at least three card tables of treats for everyone to snack on throughout the holiday.

We continued with the foods and smells I grew up with too! The turkey, the dressing, the sweet potato casserole, the mashed potatoes, the broccoli and cheese casserole, and the pies… THE PIES!!!! Yes, I unashamedly admit I place way too much emphasis on food 😊

Anyone who knows me knows I love to sing. I have sung in the choir, I have sung solo, and I was even in a quartet at one time. I love to sing songs that magnify my Saviour. He is worthy to be praised! Christmas songs are some of my favorites. ‘O Holy Night’, ‘Joy, Joy’; I can’t begin to name them all.

When Jayd (our son) was growing up, we would get together on Christmas Eve before opening any presents and we would read from Luke chapter 2 the Christmas story. We would usually read verses 1-14. I’ll share a couple of verses here…

Luk 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Then we would pray, thanking The Lord for the gift of HIM and for every blessing in our lives, because we know they are all from Him.

Again, we have such good, good memories of Christmases past and Missy and I still celebrate, making new memories for the future. She is the best decorator and I am so thankful for her because she still makes Christmas very special and happy for me.

We are looking so forward to making more new memories at 7 Acres on the stead!

I have rattled on long enough. I would really love (I really would) to hear about YOUR traditions and memories. Please feel free to share some in the comments.

Lord bless and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Kyle.